Eating vegetables to lose weight is a great idea. Many veggies are a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and can fill us up with their fiber and water. These beneficial components of vegetables can support weight loss.
Cucumber
Aside from being low in calories (6 calories per 104-gram), cucumbers can also keep us full for longer. Its high levels of fiber and water content can be a great meal filler. We can simply eat them without worrying about the extra calories that lead to weight gain.
One study revealed that eating foods with high water and low-calorie content was associated with a significant decrease in body weight.
Cucumbers can be freshly added to salads, sandwiches, and side dishes. For a refreshing drink, we can squeeze some lime juice and add a few mint leaves to our cucumber juice.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is high in water content and a good source of fiber that slows digestion and promotes feelings of fullness. Thereby eating this nutrient-packed veggie can help reduce the number of calories we eat throughout the day, an important factor in weight control.
The veggie can be steamed or roasted as a side dish. It can also be fried until golden brown and be added to rice dishes.
Spinach
Spinach is a dark leafy green vegetable that is low in calories, and rich in iron, folate, calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants. A cup of spinach contains only 7 calories and is rich in insoluble fiber that keeps us full for longer and will restrict us from eating too many calories. Stir-fry spinach with tons of garlic or blend them into soups.
Carrots
Carrots are low in energy density because of their high fiber (both soluble and insoluble) and water content. Adding this to our diet can help promote a feeling of fullness and prevents us from bingeing on other fattening foods. Eat carrot sticks with a quick dip made of hung curb and fresh herbs.
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are great for individuals who want to lose some weight. This less pungent variety of peppers contain capsaicin – a substance that boosts our metabolism. Capsaicin works by keeping immature fat cells from developing into full-fledged ones, which supports weight loss. Additionally, its vitamin C content counteracts the stress hormone – cortisol which is known to be one of the primary reasons for accumulating belly fat.
